Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Illumination

Illumination

I feel comforted
despite no stars, no moon to be seen;
twinkle seemingly tucked behind midnight clouds
post-Christmas Eve.

Dogs sigh softly, paws occasionally twitch,
three backsides glow, fireplace stoked,
flanked by slim evergreens whose branches beacon 
with the grandeur of coastal lighthouses
guiding Christ child safely to port.

Evergreen's fresh scent is gone,
yet prayers of hope, faith, joy & peace linger,
circle about Advent wreath
whose candles are but nubs.

Wrapped in darkness upon my couch
sprinkles of light silhouette thirty years of ornaments:
Santas and saddles, ice skates and Jesus,
princesses and Power Rangers...

wonder why we put it all away January 1st.
Perhaps a strand will adorn mantle, 
a prayer candle gifted pride of place, 
this time of reflection retained;

not so much for resolutions and promises,
but a continuation of thankfulness 
rekindling Christmas light.

by Margaret Bednar, December 30, 2020

This is linked with "The Sunday Muse #140"

6 comments:

Helen said...

"a continuation of thankfulness" ... I love this line. You have described what I imagine your surroundings were on that late night. I also enjoyed the nod to ornaments, old with so much meaning. I have a few from the 1940s!

Jim said...

Thanks for rekindling my Light this morning. This is a wonderful Christmas poem, just right for all. I took our outside lights in yesterday after I wrapped the faucets for winter. We have not had a hard freeze here for several years but just in case.
Mrs. Jim will by demand take our inside tree and decorations down New Year's Day or after unless our 11-year-old granddaughter wants to help tomorrow.
We always leave up year round since we bought it in Bethlehem in 1980. You can see it here,
http://jimmiehov7.blogspot.com/?m=0
..

Jim said...

... leave up (the bookcase Nativity set) year round ...
..

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love this, Margaret, especially the closing lines.

indybev said...

A peaceful poem of contentment. A continuation of thankfulness has much to do with contentment methinks. My mantra: Count blessings. Choose happy has much the same effect!! Blessings in your new year!

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely poetry ~ and good questions you pose ~ enjoyed your post ~

Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)